by Claire DeMarco
Melinda Sordino (Aylee Gardner) was a typical teenager – a good student, well-liked. When she returns to high school for her first year after summer vacation, she is different.
Melinda is withdrawn and sullen, holding her arms tightly around her chest, wearing drab clothes that are obviously too big for her. She is ridiculed and ignored by former friends and acquaintances.
It all happened after that summer party, when they were all drinking, dancing, and having fun. Why did Aylee call the police during the party? Why did she ruin everyone’s fun?
She wouldn’t (or couldn’t) tell them. When a tragic event affects Melinda not only personally but also how others view her, she recedes into a world without words (speech is limited to a few words at most).
Failing in school, she finds her communication through art. Art teacher Mr. Freeman (Jeff Johnston) pushes and encourages her.
New student Heather (Grace Gouwens) gravitates towards Aylee but soon abandons her for the “cool girls” (the cheerleaders).
As her art continues to grow, will Aylee be able to speak out?
Note: Although “Speak” covers a sensitive and serious subject, there are moments of scattered comic relief.
Gardner is amazing in a mostly non-speaking part. We see her emotion in her physical stance, how she holds her arms tightly to her chest, keeping her feelings inside. But mostly the expression in her eyes tells Aylees’s story.
Not mentioned in the review is the character named Melinda 2, played by Jacqueline Germer. Melinda 2 is Melinda’s inner voice. Having Melinda 2 allows us to hear and feel what Melinda herself won’t say out loud. Since Melinda doesn’t talk, Melinda 2 is an excellent way of introducing a character who can speak on Melinda’s behalf.
As her inner voice, Germer does a great job. She pushes Melinda as often as she can to speak out, encourages her to trust people, and finally insists that she tell everyone why she called the police on that summer night. Germer has great coordinated moves with Melinda.
Gouwens is delightful as the new student in town. She is bubbly and talkative, and she aims to please as the new girl at school. We see her change as she gravitates away from Melinda and sticks with the cheerleader clique. She is manipulative and self-centered, with a sugary-sweet smile.
Anne Marie Sweeney breaks the ice in this serious production with quick, funny interpretations of several of the high school teachers. Her movements and facial expressions are superb, especially as a totally bored, indifferent teacher.
Evan Vay’s David is the schoolmate trying to befriend Melinda. His empathy, compassion, and support are palpable.
Balancing two different roles, Justin Mohr plays Melinda’s father and one of her high school teachers. As her teacher, he has been a tyrant and a quasi-bully.
As an art teacher, Mr. Freeman portrays himself as supportive yet intent on urging Melinda to develop her art.
With a small role and little dialogue, Eamonn McElfresh (Andy) is the reason for Melinda’s withdrawal. He is derisive of Melinda and enjoys intimidating her. He comes off as a real creep.
Hats off to Milana Casciani (Rachel), Sadie Karashin (Nicole), Abigail Brown (Ivy), and David Wang (Principal).
“Speak” is a well-done, thoughtful production of a serious issue that affects women as well as men. There are no graphic scenes of sexual violence nor obscene language. It is a play worth seeing, told in a thoughtful, sensitive way.
Original theme song written by Carla Bianco.
Special notice to Scenic Designer Jules Malice and direction by Dana Hardy Bingham.
“Speak” was adapted for the stage by Tammy Ryan and is based on the novel of the same name by Laurie Halso Anderson.
On opening night, Laurie Halso Anderson talked back with the audience, relaying her own experiences as a rape victim. It took her many years to be able to SPEAK about her experience.
-CED
“Speak” runs from May 1st to May 10th at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square E, Pittsburgh, PA 15212—production, by Prime Stage Theatre. For tickets and additional information, click here.
